Does Opening Car Doors While Both Vehicles Are Stationary Count as a Traffic Accident?
2 Answers
This is not a traffic accident. If one of the vehicles is parked illegally, the owner of that vehicle is responsible. Below are the handling methods for illegal parking: 1. On-site illegal parking penalty: For violations of the road traffic safety law regarding motor vehicle parking regulations, if the driver is present, the traffic police can point out the violation, issue a verbal warning, and order the driver to leave immediately. Generally, as long as the driver leaves quickly, there will be no fine. If the driver refuses to leave and the parked vehicle obstructs the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, the traffic police may impose a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan. 2. Off-site illegal parking penalty: If the driver is not present, in addition to issuing a fine ticket, if the parked vehicle obstructs the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, the traffic police department has the authority to tow the vehicle to a location that does not obstruct traffic or to a parking location designated by the traffic management department of the public security organ.
From a legal perspective, a door collision while vehicles are stationary is fully considered a traffic accident. Traffic regulations generally classify any injuries or damages caused by vehicle operations on the road as accidents, with liability falling on the party opening the door. For example, if a door hits a passing cyclist and the injured party reports it, traffic police arriving to investigate may issue an accident determination report, requiring the driver to be responsible for compensation and insurance claims. I've seen cases online where such 'dooring' accidents frequently occur on narrow urban streets, and improper handling can also result in fines or demerit points. Developing a habit of checking the rear can prevent a lot of disputes and safety hazards. Driving isn't just about movement; stationary behavior is equally regulated by law.
